One year ago today the world lost a great queen much too soon when Antoine Ashley - who many knew better as Sahara Davenport - suddenly passed away. Although she only got to spend 27 years with the world, Sahara inspired and touched many lives in that time with her vibrant spirit and her love for life. Join us in paying tribute to this wonderful queen and the many accomplishments she left behind her.
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1984
Birth
Antoine Ashley (a.k.a. Sahara Davenport) was born in Dallas Texas on December 17.
Antoine Ashley (a.k.a. Sahara Davenport) was born in Dallas Texas on December 17.
2002
Attended Southern Methodist University
While he was a light in the world before his college years, it was during this time that Antoine first donned his drag garb and began to create Sahara.
While he was a light in the world before his college years, it was during this time that Antoine first donned his drag garb and began to create Sahara.
2006
Moved to New York City
After graduating college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance, Sahara moved up to New York City, as so many artists before her and so many since. In addition to having many dance opportunities, her move to New York allowed her to perform in drag more often!
15 Films About Madonna (Television series)
Sahara’s first mainstream on camera experience happened just out of college, when she performed (in drag) for the series’ first episode.
Started dating Manila Luzon (a.k.a. Karl Westerberg)
As most RuPaul's Drag Race fans know, Sahara Davenport was the partner of season three contestant Manila Luzon. The couple had been together for six years prior to her passing. They met and began seeing one another shortly after her move to New York.
After graduating college with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in dance, Sahara moved up to New York City, as so many artists before her and so many since. In addition to having many dance opportunities, her move to New York allowed her to perform in drag more often!
15 Films About Madonna (Television series)
Sahara’s first mainstream on camera experience happened just out of college, when she performed (in drag) for the series’ first episode.
Started dating Manila Luzon (a.k.a. Karl Westerberg)
As most RuPaul's Drag Race fans know, Sahara Davenport was the partner of season three contestant Manila Luzon. The couple had been together for six years prior to her passing. They met and began seeing one another shortly after her move to New York.
2007
Magnificent Obsessions (Television series)
In 2007 Sahara appeared (in drag) on an episode of Magnificent Obsessions, a television show that helped share the stories of people who took their hobbies and passions and turned them into lucrative careers and driving forces for their lives.
In 2007 Sahara appeared (in drag) on an episode of Magnificent Obsessions, a television show that helped share the stories of people who took their hobbies and passions and turned them into lucrative careers and driving forces for their lives.
2008
Judge Karen (Television series)
In the pilot episode of this one season Logo comedy series, Sahara appeared in drag to portray the character of a Beyoncé impersonator who had been suffering from harassment by the paparazzi who had mistaken her for the real Beyoncé.
Melody Set Me Free (Film)
Sahara appeared in this film by Kalup Linzey, an established performance artist. The film was featured at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
In the pilot episode of this one season Logo comedy series, Sahara appeared in drag to portray the character of a Beyoncé impersonator who had been suffering from harassment by the paparazzi who had mistaken her for the real Beyoncé.
Melody Set Me Free (Film)
Sahara appeared in this film by Kalup Linzey, an established performance artist. The film was featured at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
2009
“Girl Problems” by Girl Problems (music video)
This video marked the first of several that would feature Sahara’s talents as a dancer.
This video marked the first of several that would feature Sahara’s talents as a dancer.
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2010
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 2 (Contestant)
In 2010 Sahara’s appearance on Logo’s RuPaul’s Drag Race not only gave her an enormous influx of fans, but it also allowed her spirit and talents to shine through and inspire and move lives of people all over the country. Since the series is now available online, it has been seen around the globe. While it is just one of many accomplishments Sahara had, it was certainly one which allowed her to share her joy and passion with the world!
In 2010 Sahara’s appearance on Logo’s RuPaul’s Drag Race not only gave her an enormous influx of fans, but it also allowed her spirit and talents to shine through and inspire and move lives of people all over the country. Since the series is now available online, it has been seen around the globe. While it is just one of many accomplishments Sahara had, it was certainly one which allowed her to share her joy and passion with the world!
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“Gettin’ Over You” by David Guetta and Chris Willis (music video)
In addition to her own single and music video, Sahara also performed as a dancer in the video for this internationally chart topping song.
Released “Pump me Up” (single/music video)
Sahara combined her dancing talents with her musical talents to release her first single and music video shortly after her time on RuPaul's Drag Race.
In addition to her own single and music video, Sahara also performed as a dancer in the video for this internationally chart topping song.
Released “Pump me Up” (single/music video)
Sahara combined her dancing talents with her musical talents to release her first single and music video shortly after her time on RuPaul's Drag Race.
2011
Released “Go Off” (single/music video)
Sahara’s second single “Go Off” was met with great enthusiasm, ultimately landing it a spot at #35 on Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs in 2011. The accompanying music video was released later the same year, and was met with equal popularity.
Sahara’s second single “Go Off” was met with great enthusiasm, ultimately landing it a spot at #35 on Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs in 2011. The accompanying music video was released later the same year, and was met with equal popularity.
2012
“Best XXXCessory" by Manila Luzon (music video)
Part of Manila Luzon’s music video, Best XXXCessory, portrayed the relationship of the two drag superstars. Manila’s song is a love letter to Sahara, including lyrics such as “You’re more than my lover, darling: you’re my best friend!”
Part of Manila Luzon’s music video, Best XXXCessory, portrayed the relationship of the two drag superstars. Manila’s song is a love letter to Sahara, including lyrics such as “You’re more than my lover, darling: you’re my best friend!”
Death
Antoine Ashley (a.k.a. Sahara Davenport) died at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD on October 1, 2012 due to heart failure.
Antoine Ashley (a.k.a. Sahara Davenport) died at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD on October 1, 2012 due to heart failure.
Sahara’s legacy is one that shows not only a true love of art and life, but a life lived to its fullest with each moment used to inspire others. The joy that poured out of her with each dance step and moment on stage was contagious. The loss of such a queen so young is tragic, and our thoughts go out to her family and friends, especially Manila. Yet Sahara continues even now to bring a light to the world as all those whose lives that were touched by Sahara go forward, sharing the open and warm spirit that she carried with her every single day.
Rest in peace, Sahara. The world will never forget you.
Rest in peace, Sahara. The world will never forget you.
